I have been shooting 25 long colt in various revolvers and rifles for a while. I find the 25 long colt to be an accurate round over a range of bullet weights and muzzle velocities.

I am reading about the model 25 with large cylinder throats (prior to -7) .
I would like to know from the experience of this group:
Just how inaccurate are these guns.
Can a reasonable shooter (like the average member of this forum) consistently hit a pie plate at 30 yards? What size group can be expected from a bench?
Are they as accurate as a Tarus Judge?
How does the new classic compare to the older models?

Thank You, your responses will be appreciated.

I have a 25-5 w/4" barrel . The cylinder throat issue is not a problem on mine . The throats are close enough in size and yes , it's very accurate . if I want to shoot hotter loads than std 45 colt loads I have to use a 6 o'clock hold . The rear sight is bottomed out . I wish I could get a taller front sight but it looks like it's milled in as part of the barrel . It is possible to change out with some work , but I'm happy just to leave it as is . As far as hitting a pie plate @ 30 yds , NO problem . I use the LEE 255 gr RNFP mold or the H&G 501 , 255 gr SWC (the Keith design). I cast / size to .454 . Use a fairly soft alloy and LBT soft blue lube . I don't have nor have ever shot the Taurus Judge so I can't compare . Regards Paul

Lyman #454424, about 260 grains size to .454" or larger works well. Make sure the bullet is soft. Load to around 850 fps with Unique or HS-6 (better than Unique as for accuracy in my experience). I don't load .45 Colt hot; really no need to. My 25-5s never did well with any light bullets (200-225 grains).

I have a Model 25-2 that had .456 throats. The accuracy with anything but jacketed bullets was terrible. Maybe an 8" or 10" group at 20 yards. I bought this from a gent that bought one of the anniversary Model 25-2s in the case with the history book and coin. That gun had .458 throats and he sold it after one trip to the range. I bought a .44 Magnum cylinder on ebay and had Andy Horvath Chamber it in .45 Colt with .451 cylinder throats. It is now an excellent shooter.

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Current production I'm sure would be fine but keep in mind it has a light tapered barrel. I have a 25-13 that shoots great which should be similar to the current guns. One advantage to the new guns is the pinned on sight so you can swap it out to whatever you like. -5's mostly have red ramps which are the worst for my eyes.

My M25-5, bought new in 1980, has normal cylinder throats. It shoots just fine.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I had one of the Model 25-5's from around 1980 as well. It had the ridiculously oversized cylinder throats. My experience mirrored that of series guys, and in addition it leaded the bore terribly with lead bullets. I wish I had kept it long enough for when S&W was offering correct replacement cylinders.

I also have a 4" 25-5 that shoots just fine. If there's any problem at all, it's the guy holding it (ME)!

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Ed

Just checked my one 25-2 example that has very little evidence of being shot at all. (The topic was brought up recently on another necro-thread.)

Showed to have .455"'ish throats. A Hornady factory lubed .454" lead "COWBOY" bullet would only fit after skimming a little factory lube off.

With telescoping gauges having rounded ends, and a set of dial calipers they look to measure .455" or just a hair over.

s/n N3787xx.

Dale

.452 bullets would fall through my 25-5 cylinder and with those it shot "buckshot patterns". Went to a .454" mold and problem solved.

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S&W Accumulator